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Oscar Pistorius released from prison under house arrest Oscar Pistorius released from prison under house arrest
(35 minutes later)
South African Olympic and Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius has been released under house arrest nearly one year after he was jailed for killing his girlfriend, prison officials say.South African Olympic and Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius has been released under house arrest nearly one year after he was jailed for killing his girlfriend, prison officials say.
He is expected to spend the remainder of a five-year prison sentence at his uncle's home in Pretoria.He is expected to spend the remainder of a five-year prison sentence at his uncle's home in Pretoria.
Pistorius, 28, shot Reeva Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door but said he thought she was an intruder.Pistorius, 28, shot Reeva Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door but said he thought she was an intruder.
Ms Steenkamp's relatives say they think Pistorius is "getting off lightly".Ms Steenkamp's relatives say they think Pistorius is "getting off lightly".
Oscar Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide, or manslaughter, in October last year.Oscar Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide, or manslaughter, in October last year.
A case lodged by the prosecution appealing that decision is due to be heard by the Supreme Court of Appeal on 3 November. State prosecutors say Pistorius should have instead been convicted of murder.A case lodged by the prosecution appealing that decision is due to be heard by the Supreme Court of Appeal on 3 November. State prosecutors say Pistorius should have instead been convicted of murder.
The athlete was released on Monday evening, a day earlier than expected, according to a spokesman from the Kgosi Mampuru II prison, where Pistorius was being held.The athlete was released on Monday evening, a day earlier than expected, according to a spokesman from the Kgosi Mampuru II prison, where Pistorius was being held.
"Oscar Pistorius was placed under correctional supervision tonight," Manelisi Wolela confirmed in a statement."Oscar Pistorius was placed under correctional supervision tonight," Manelisi Wolela confirmed in a statement.
"The handling of the actual placement is an operational matter of the local management, and how they handle it is their prerogative that is carried out in the best interest of all parties concerned, the victims, the offender and the Department of Correctional Services," he added."The handling of the actual placement is an operational matter of the local management, and how they handle it is their prerogative that is carried out in the best interest of all parties concerned, the victims, the offender and the Department of Correctional Services," he added.
Oscar Pistorius was driven under cover of darkness to his uncle's house 20 minutes away, a premature departure designed presumably to avoid the media glare, says the BBC's Karen Allen in Pretoria.
Oscar Pistorius case by numbersOscar Pistorius case by numbers
The making and unmaking of Oscar PistoriusThe making and unmaking of Oscar Pistorius
Has politics intruded in the Pistorius case?Has politics intruded in the Pistorius case?
His parole conditions include gun ownership restrictions and continued psychotherapy sessions. The disabled sportsman is also expected to do a period of community service, according to the BBC's Karen Allen in Pretoria. It is understood he will not be electronically tagged but he will have restrictions on his movement, she adds.
His parole conditions include gun ownership restrictions and continued psychotherapy sessions. The disabled sportsman is also expected to do a period of community service.
South Africa's justice minister blocked an earlier attempt to get the Olympic athlete's release in August in a surprise move.South Africa's justice minister blocked an earlier attempt to get the Olympic athlete's release in August in a surprise move.
Speaking earlier to the BBC, Reeva Steenkamp's cousin Kim Martin said the family might consider visiting Pistorius when the time is "right". But she also said she felt he was "getting off lightly".Speaking earlier to the BBC, Reeva Steenkamp's cousin Kim Martin said the family might consider visiting Pistorius when the time is "right". But she also said she felt he was "getting off lightly".
Her parents have previously said that the time served by Pistorius was "not enough for taking a life".Her parents have previously said that the time served by Pistorius was "not enough for taking a life".
Under South African law, the double amputee was eligible for release under "correctional supervision" having served a sixth of his sentence.Under South African law, the double amputee was eligible for release under "correctional supervision" having served a sixth of his sentence.
Meanwhile, a close family friend of the athlete said he was in poor physical shape, adding that his return to athletics would be unlikely.Meanwhile, a close family friend of the athlete said he was in poor physical shape, adding that his return to athletics would be unlikely.
If the prosecution is successful with its appeal next month, Pistorius could face a lengthy sentence back in prison.If the prosecution is successful with its appeal next month, Pistorius could face a lengthy sentence back in prison.